Running a small law office means wearing a lot of hats — often at the same time. It’s a balancing act of managing tasks, supporting your team, keeping clients happy, and somehow finding time to breathe. This cheat sheet is your go-to guide for making it all run smoother. Whether you're a seasoned office manager or stepping into the role for the first time, these quick tips and … [Read more...] about Mastering the Small Law Office: Your Essential Cheat Sheet
Billing & collections
How to Reduce Client Pushback on Legal Bills
One of the biggest headaches in law firm management is dealing with client pushback on legal bills. Whether it's confusion over charges, frustration with unexpected costs, or simple sticker shock, disputes over invoices can slow down payments and strain client relationships. As a law office manager, you play a key role in reducing billing conflicts by ensuring transparency, … [Read more...] about How to Reduce Client Pushback on Legal Bills
How to Organize Workflow for Paperless Document Management
Transitioning to a paperless document management workflow can significantly enhance the efficiency, security, and environmental footprint of your law firm. With advancements in technology, creating a paperless office is more feasible and beneficial than ever. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a paperless document management workflow for your law firm. 1. Assess … [Read more...] about How to Organize Workflow for Paperless Document Management
How Attorneys and Staff Can Improve Timekeeping Habits to Avoid Lost Revenue
Accurate time tracking is the foundation of a profitable law firm. Yet, many firms lose thousands—if not millions—of dollars each year due to untracked or underreported billable time. Poor timekeeping habits, delayed entries, and inefficient processes can eat away at revenue without anyone noticing. As a law office manager, you can help attorneys and staff develop better time … [Read more...] about How Attorneys and Staff Can Improve Timekeeping Habits to Avoid Lost Revenue
Billing for Paralegal and Support Staff Work: What’s Permissible?
Billing for paralegal and support staff work can be a valuable way to maximize a law firm’s revenue—when done correctly. However, improper billing practices can lead to client disputes, ethical violations, and even disciplinary action. As a law office manager, you play a key role in ensuring that your firm’s billing for non-attorney work is both ethical and compliant with … [Read more...] about Billing for Paralegal and Support Staff Work: What’s Permissible?
Monthly Financial Review Checklist for a Law Office
Staying on top of your law office’s finances is crucial for long-term success. A well-structured monthly financial review ensures that you're not just meeting immediate financial needs but also planning effectively for the future. This checklist is designed to guide you through the key areas that require attention each month, from tracking expenses and revenue to assessing cash … [Read more...] about Monthly Financial Review Checklist for a Law Office
Spreadsheet Savvy is Vital to Law Office Administration
In the dynamic landscape of legal administration, adept management of data and information is paramount. Law office managers serve as the backbone of law firms, ensuring smooth operations, client satisfaction, and adherence to regulatory requirements. Amidst the myriad responsibilities they shoulder, proficiency in utilizing spreadsheets emerges as a cornerstone skill, … [Read more...] about Spreadsheet Savvy is Vital to Law Office Administration
How to Give Your Collections Engine a Tuneup
When your collections process is humming along, cash flow stays steady, and everyone from partners to vendors feels confident. But over time, even the most efficient collections system can start to sputter. Let’s talk about how to give your collections machine a tuneup so you can keep your financial engine running strong. 1. Revisit Your Billing and Invoicing Processes Start … [Read more...] about How to Give Your Collections Engine a Tuneup
Unlocking Profitability: How Streamlining Administrative Work Frees Up More Billable Hours
You know the drill—attorneys are constantly juggling client work, legal research, and court deadlines, but behind the scenes, a mountain of administrative tasks eats away at their billable hours. As a law office manager, one of your biggest opportunities to increase profitability is streamlining these non-billable tasks so attorneys can focus on what they do best: practicing … [Read more...] about Unlocking Profitability: How Streamlining Administrative Work Frees Up More Billable Hours
Revenue Cycle Management Audits: A Law Office Manager’s Guide
When you hear the term Revenue Cycle Management (RCM), your mind might first associate it with the healthcare world. However, in a law office, managing your revenue cycle is just as crucial. From client intake and billing to payments and collections, every step of your firm's financial workflow needs to be streamlined and error-free. That’s where regular RCM audits come in, … [Read more...] about Revenue Cycle Management Audits: A Law Office Manager’s Guide